251: From Noise to Knowledge – Lessons in Geophysics and Innovation w/ Joe Dellinger

Öz Yilmaz returns to the podcast to highlight his award-winning article, "A reality check on full-wave inversion applied to land seismic data for near-surface modeling." In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Öz assesses the accuracy of full-wave inversion applied to land seismic data for near-surface modeling. He elaborates on his definition of near-surface and explains why he believes full-wave inversion failed to yield an accurate near-surface model. Öz also describes how the seismic waves behave within the near-surface and what would make a good initial model for FWI. Using his insightful and informative style, Öz provides invaluable information on some of the most important topics facing geophysicists. Öz breaks down complex issues into understandable and actionable takeaways. Do not miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best geophysicists working today. Listen to the full archive at https://seg.org/podcast. RELATED LINKS * Read the Best Paper for 2022: Öz Yilmaz, Kai Gao, Milos Delic, Jianghai Xia, Lianjie Huang, Hossein Jodeiri, and Andre Pugin (2022), "A reality check on full-wave inversion applied to land seismic data for near-surface modeling," The Leading Edge 41: 40–46. (https://doi.org/10.1190/tle41010040.1) * Listen to Öz discuss his latest book, Land Seismic Case Studies for Near-Surface Modeling and Subsurface Imaging (https://seg.org/podcast/post/12564) * Explore Öz Yilmaz's books (https://seg.org/shop/products/search/Oz%20Yilmaz) BIOGRAPHY Öz Yilmaz received his B.S. in geology with a geophysics option from the University of Missouri-Rolla in 1970, his M.S. in geophysics in 1972 from Stanford University, with research in rock physics and earthquake seismology, and, after five years in the industry, his Ph.D. in geophysics from Stanford University in 1979. Öz has worked in the seismic industry for 42 years; since 2000, he has broadened his interests in geophysics to include engineering and earthquake seismology. Yilmaz's first book, Seismic Data Processing, was published in 1987. This work was greatly expanded in a two-volume set, Seismic Data Analysis, published in 2001. In addition, Yilmaz published Engineering Seismology with Applications to Geotechnical Engineering in 2015 and Land Seismic Case Studies for Near-Surface Modeling and Subsurface Imaging in 2021. His publications, along with the numerous courses and lectures he has given worldwide (he was an SEG Distinguished Lecturer in 1996 and an SEG Distinguished Instructor in 2015), have remarkably impacted a generation of geophysicists worldwide. Through lectures, courses, presentations at professional meetings, publications, and books, Yilmaz has enormously impacted many professionals' careers by disseminating his knowledge and experience in exploration seismology and engineering seismology. Yilmaz has served SEG in numerous roles, including vice president of SEG during 1993–1994. He received the SEG Maurice Ewing Medal in 2022, the SEG Virgil Kauffman Gold Medal in 1991, and the EAGE Conrad Schlumberger Award in 1992. CREDITS Seismic Soundoff explores the depth and usefulness of geophysics for the scientific community and the public. If you want to be the first to know about the next episode, please follow or subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Two of our favorites are Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you have episode ideas, feedback for the show, or want to sponsor a future episode, find the "Contact Seismic Soundoff" box at https://seg.org/podcast. Zach Bridges created original music for this show. Andrew Geary hosted, edited, and produced this episode at TreasureMint. The SEG podcast team is Jennifer Cobb, Kathy Gamble, and Ally McGinnis.

1 Kesä 202323min

Seismic Soundoff has featured some of the most well-known geoscientists, authors, and teachers for the past seven years. And since episode 72, host Andrew Geary has asked his guests, "What is one piece of advice you would offer someone that would like to succeed in this field?" The insight and experience across the 186 episodes are vast. To help collect some of this wisdom into one episode, we're excited to present an updated episode for some of our favorite answers to this closing question. This episode features 11 of our favorite lessons from the past two and a half years. You will hear from SEG legend Öz Yilmaz, current and past SEG presidents, well-known lecturers, and other stalwarts of geophysics. See below for the complete list and links to their entire conversation. Thank you to all the past guests on Seismic Soundoff. As we approach episode 200, we couldn't have made it this far without each of you. And a special thanks to the producers and contributors to the podcast behind the scenes, including Stacy Baker, Steve Brown, Lotti Bublitz, Jennifer Cobb, Kathy Gamble, Ally McGinnis, John Meade, Susan Stamm, and Kelsy Taylor. Listen to the full archive at https://seg.org/podcast. INTERVIEWS (IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE) * Boris Gurevich (https://seg.org/podcast/Post/15937) * Margariete Malenda and Tiziana Vanorio (https://seg.org/podcast/Post/12454) * Öz Yilmaz (https://seg.org/podcast/Post/15809) * Anna Shaughnessy (https://seg.org/podcast/Post/13633) * Denes Vigh (https://seg.org/podcast/Post/12464) * Joe Dellinger (https://seg.org/podcast/Post/13652) * Yogaani Bhatia (https://seg.org/podcast/Post/15996) * Heather Bedle (https://seg.org/podcast/Post/15900) * Ken Tubman (https://seg.org/podcast/Post/16002) * Cara Hunter and Teresa Santana (https://seg.org/podcast/Post/15899) * Paul Bauman (https://seg.org/podcast/Post/15921) RELATED LINKS * The previous episode highlighting our favorite lessons (https://seg.org/podcast/Post/11288) CREDITS Seismic Soundoff explores the depth and usefulness of geophysics for the scientific community and the public. If you want to be the first to know about the next episode, please follow or subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Two of our favorites are Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you have episode ideas, feedback for the show, or want to sponsor a future episode, find the "Contact Seismic Soundoff" box at https://seg.org/podcast. Zach Bridges created original music for this show. Andrew Geary hosted, edited, and produced this episode at TreasureMint. The SEG podcast team is Jennifer Cobb, Kathy Gamble, and Ally McGinnis.

18 Touko 202317min

Critical mineral exploration will play a key role in human development and progress. The April 2023 special section of The Leading Edge focuses on the issue of critical minerals from the perspective of recent progress in mining exploration and anticipated future needs as the global energy economy transitions to higher use of, and reliance on, renewables. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Dr. Alan Jones defines critical minerals and how and why each country defines them differently. He explains why the public has a dim view of mining and what we can learn from China's long-term mineral vision. He elaborates on the valuable role of copper in utilizing electric vehicles and why we still don't understand the planet we live on. Alan also makes a case for why we must inspire young minds with the possibilities of critical minerals exploration. Do you want to be part of the future of humanity? This is the question at the center of this can't miss episode. Listen to the full archive at https://seg.org/podcast. RELATED LINKS * Chester J. Weiss and Alan G. Jones, (2023), "Introduction to this special section: Critical minerals exploration," The Leading Edge 42: 236–236. (https://doi.org/10.1190/tle42040236.1) * Alan G. Jones, (2023), "Mining for net zero: The impossible task," The Leading Edge 42: 266–276. (https://doi.org/10.1190/tle42040266.1) * Read the April 2023 special section: Critical minerals exploration. (https://library.seg.org/toc/leedff/42/4) Subscribers can read the full articles at https://library.seg.org/, and abstracts are always free. BIOGRAPHY Alan G. Jones is currently Senior Professor Emeritus at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, a Specially-Appointed Professor at the China University of Geosciences Beijing, and Adjunct Professor at Macquarie University and at the University of Western Australia. In addition, upon his retirement he formed an MT consulting company - Complete MT Solutions Inc. - with former students and a colleague in 2016. Alan was awarded the Tuzo Wilson medal of the Canadian Geophysical Union in 2006, was Appointed an International Member of the Geo-Electromagnetism Committee, Chinese Geophysical Society in 2009, was elected to Academia Europaea also in 2009 and was made a Member of the Royal Irish Academy in 2010. He was a Blaustein Visiting Professor at Stanford University for the Winter Term of 2016, and was appointed a Life Affiliate Member of the Geological Society of South Africa in 2016. In 2019 he was elected a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union. Alan is the most published (almost 200 papers) and most cited (over 13,500 citations) scientist in his chosen field of magnetotellurics. Together with Alan Chave, he published the most authoritative textbook to date on MT - The Magnetotelluric Method: Theory and Practice (Cambridge University Press). He is a qualified Professional Geoscientist accredited by the Professional Geoscientists Ontario (PGO). CREDITS Seismic Soundoff explores the depth and usefulness of geophysics for the scientific community and the public. If you want to be the first to know about the next episode, please follow or subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Two of our favorites are Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you have episode ideas, feedback for the show, or want to sponsor a future episode, find the "Contact Seismic Soundoff" box at https://seg.org/podcast. Zach Bridges created original music for this show. Andrew Geary hosted, edited, and produced this episode at TreasureMint. The SEG podcast team is Jennifer Cobb, Kathy Gamble, and Ally McGinnis.

11 Touko 202321min

SEG President Ken Tubman discusses the future outlook of SEG and applied geophysics. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Ken provides the latest information on the ongoing SEG transformation. He outlines how SEG could allow greater experimentation, the pros and cons of its current governance structure, and how members can best contribute to SEG's future. Ken shares some risks for SEG's transformation and why building a successful future for SEG matters to him. This episode not only matters for SEG members and stakeholders and the profession of applied geophysics but provides expertise and guidance for all membership-based organizations. In addition, this conversation provides practical advice and expert recommendations that could continue to support SEG and the field moving forward. Listen to the full archive at https://seg.org/podcast. RELATED LINKS * Read the President's Page: Vision for SEG by Ken Tubman (https://library.seg.org/doi/10.1190/tle41100668.1) * Read the President's Page: The transformation of SEG by Pete Cramer (https://library.seg.org/doi/10.1190/tle41110745.1) * Read the President's Page: A perspective from 'the future' by Samara Omar (https://library.seg.org/doi/10.1190/tle41120812.1) * Watch the latest from SEG on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SegOrg) BIOGRAPHY Ken Tubman is currently SEG President. He has been a member of SEG since 1979. Previously, he served on the SEG Board as a Director at Large from 2018 to 2020. He has volunteered with SEG in multiple ways, such as serving on committees and task forces, editing, and serving on the SEAM Board. He is also an SEG Foundation Trustee Associate. Tubman holds a Ph.D. in geophysics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Massachusetts. He has spent more than 35 years in the energy industry. He currently serves as chairman of the board of directors of SAExploration, a leading seismic acquisition company. He has held senior positions within ConocoPhillips (including vice president geoscience and reservoir engineering, vice president subsurface), Veritas DGC (senior vice president Veritas Hampson Russell, vice president geoservices), and Marathon Oil (vice president technical innovation). He started his career with ARCO and has held various technical and management positions in the central functions and business units. A common thread though most of his career is his involvement in technology delivery and development. CREDITS Seismic Soundoff explores the depth and usefulness of geophysics for the scientific community and the public. If you want to be the first to know about the next episode, please follow or subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Two of our favorites are Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you have episode ideas, feedback for the show, or want to sponsor a future episode, find the "Contact Seismic Soundoff" box at https://seg.org/podcast. Zach Bridges created original music for this show. Andrew Geary hosted, edited, and produced this episode at TreasureMint. The SEG podcast team is Jennifer Cobb, Kathy Gamble, and Ally McGinnis.

4 Touko 202325min

Dr. Elikplim Abla Dzikunoo and Abdul Rashid Seidu discuss their Geoscientists without Borders project, "Provision of potable water to communities in northeastern Ghana." This GWB project will directly help the inhabitants of two communities (Zagsliari and Salinwia) located within the Nasia river basin in the West Mamprusi district – Northeastern region of Ghana. In Zagsliari, men, women, and children will all benefit from potable water. Children will especially benefit as the current water supplies in the community expose them to diseases like cholera and dysentery. In Salinwia, families will profit greatly from the provision of boreholes, enabling them to engage in year-round irrigation farming to improve their economic fortunes and sustenance for themselves and their livestock. This was done by using Electrical Resistivity Tomography techniques to define and interpret geo-electric sections and models to show the subsurface lithology distribution and provide scientific data that will inform groundwater management policy decision-making and improve access to potable water resources by the communities of the study area. To build on the knowledge of the area's geology and offer a better understanding of the underlying complexities, lithologic logging was done during drilling, followed by geophysical logging after drilling, which offers improved resolutions of the subsurface geologic complexities. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Elikplim and Rashid explain why groundwater is of growing importance in the "food basket of Ghana" as rainwater gets more difficult to predict. Elikplim highlights the value of combining community knowledge with scientifically-tested methods to be successful. Rashid explores why groundwater has been an overlooked resource in Ghana. And they both discuss the importance of respecting the culture where scientific work occurs. While the audio quality at times is not ideal, please give this episode a listen from beginning to end if you can. This is a powerful story on the power of geophysics, how to gain support from local communities, and the difference science can make in people's lives. Listen to the full archive at https://seg.org/podcast. RELATED LINKS * Learn more about the Ghana water project (https://seg.org/About-SEG/Geoscientists-Without-Borders/Projects/detail/ghana-2) * Learn more about Geoscientists without Borders (https://seg.org/About-SEG/Geoscientists-Without-Borders) * Donate to GWB (https://seg.org/About-SEG/Geoscientists-Without-Borders/Donate) * Explore the Geophysical Sustainability Atlas that maps geophysics to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (https://library.seg.org/doi/10.1190/tle40010010.1) BIOGRAPHIES Dr. Elikplim Abla Dzikunoo is a geologist specializing in the applications of near-surface and borehole geophysics for use in hydrogeological studies and the interpretation of airborne data for structural and lithologic delineations. She is currently a lecturer in the Department of Earth Science, University of Ghana, teaching geophysics and GIS/RS-related courses. Abdul Rashid Seidu is a final-year geophysics student at the University of Ghana. Being a young, aspiring geophysicist, he had the privilege of participating in many geophysical programs that have sharpened and expanded his knowledge of geophysics, particularly exploratory geophysics. CREDITS Zach Bridges created original music for this show. Andrew Geary hosted, edited, and produced this episode at TreasureMint. The SEG podcast team is Jennifer Cobb, Kathy Gamble, and Ally McGinnis.

20 Huhti 202327min

Yogaani Bhatia, SEG's Managing Director for International Operations, discusses the value of the SEG regional offices as SEG celebrates over ten years of the Middle East regional office. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Yogaani describes the work and vision for the SEG regional offices. She explains how geophysics is changing in the Middle East and highlights the similarities and differences between geophysics in the Middle East and China. Yogaani also shares what she's most proud of over the past ten years at the SEG Middle East office and why the regional offices are important to the future success of the SEG and geophysics. Listen to the full archive at https://seg.org/podcast. RELATED LINKS * Read the President's Page: The geophysical landscape in the Middle East (https://library.seg.org/doi/10.1190/tle41050292.1) * Discover SEG events (https://seg.org/Events/Events-Calendar/all-events) BIOGRAPHY Yogaani Bhatia is SEG's Managing Director for International Operations. She is a market development & association management leader with a proven track record of driving knowledge exchange and innovation in the energy industry. With over a decade of experience at SEG, she has been instrumental in establishing and expanding the company's operations in the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and China. As the leader of SEG's MENA, Asia Pacific, and China teams, Yogaani has fostered collaboration between energy companies, service providers, and independent innovators from diverse industries, creating opportunities for business interchange and driving progress in the global energy sector. Before joining SEG, Yogaani held a prominent position at the World Gold Council, where she played a key role in shaping the growth trajectory of the gold industry by working closely with local trade partners, financial institutions, and industry experts to create and sustain demand for gold. With her deep understanding of market trends and consumer behavior, she brought a unique perspective to the industry that has fueled its growth and success. Before her tenure at the World Gold Council, Yogaani gained extensive cross-industry knowledge as a Communications Director in the communication industry for eight years. During this time, she gained exposure to various sectors, including jewelry, metals, government organizations, luxury goods, retail, hospitality, travel and tourism, FMCG, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and financial services. Her diverse experience has equipped her with a strategic approach to problem-solving and a unique perspective on the issues that matter most to the energy industry. Yogaani's leadership, passion for innovation, and deep understanding of industry trends have driven her success. Her contribution to the industry has earned her a reputation as a thought leader and an inspiration to future leaders in the field. CREDITS Seismic Soundoff explores the depth and usefulness of geophysics for the scientific community and the public. If you want to be the first to know about the next episode, please follow or subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Two of our favorites are Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you have episode ideas, feedback for the show, or want to sponsor a future episode, find the "Contact Seismic Soundoff" box at https://seg.org/podcast. Zach Bridges created original music for this show. Andrew Geary hosted, edited, and produced this episode at TreasureMint. The SEG podcast team is Jennifer Cobb, Kathy Gamble, and Ally McGinnis.

13 Huhti 202322min

Dr. Cyril D. Boateng discusses his SEG Field Camp, "Investigating the slave trade in South Eastern Ghana using integrated geophysical techniques." Recently, there has been renewed interest in connecting Africans in the diaspora to their ancestral lands. In this context, significant focus has been placed on research which enhances an understanding of the circumstances of enslaved people during the days of enslavement. A lesser-known and often excluded slavery focus point is the South Eastern part of Ghana. The main goal of this field camp was to advance the field of geophysics and geoarchaeology and train a new generation of geoscientists by exploring the use of geophysics for archeological investigations related to slavery in the southeastern part of Ghana. Geophysics can be an indispensable part of archaeological investigations of slavery. The scientific findings of such non-invasive probes could help archaeologists fine-tune their search for sites and aid them in surgical excavation to unearth new data about past slavery practices. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Cyril explains the concept behind the term "the archaeology of slavery." He describes the various geophysical investigations used across four communities. Cyril also elaborates on how this type of project encourages the current and future generations of geophysicists. This conversation highlights the significant value geophysics brings to a problem and how SEG Field Camps, in particular, are an invaluable tool for building the next generation of scientists and providing humanitarian benefits. Listen to the full archive at https://seg.org/podcast. RELATED LINKS * See the Poster Presentation for Cyril's Project (https://seg.org/Portals/0/SEG/Professional%20Development/Students/field-camps/2023/Kwame_Nkrumah_Uni.pdf?ver=2023-03-09-151039-410) * Explore other SEG Field Camp Projects (https://seg.org/Education/Student/Student-Programs/Field-Camps/Posters) * Donate to SEG Field Camps (https://donate.seg.org/Field-Camps) BIOGRAPHY Dr. Cyril D. Boateng (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrildboateng) is a geophysicist interested in near-surface problems and hydrocarbon exploration. He holds a Ph.D. in Solid Earth Physics from the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) under the CAS (Chinese Academy of Sciences) -TWAS (The World Academy of Sciences) Presidential Fellowship. He is currently a lecturer and researcher focusing on modeling and integrating reservoir heterogeneities into machine learning algorithms. These innovative methods can be applied for computer-aided interpretation in geophysics. His previous work has been on geotechnical applications of geophysics in the Bosumtwi Impact crater of Ghana and how this can be applied to policymaking at the local government level. Cyril has always been passionate about teaching, learning, and science communication. And after various teaching stints in Ghana's educational sector from the basic to the tertiary level, his current focus is on modern teaching methods and research that can drive effective science education, especially at the tertiary level. In addition, he runs a platform for amplifying the voices of African Scientists called the AfroScience Network (https://afrosciencenetwork.org/). When Cyril is not teaching or conducting research, he usually reads historical books or learns about other cultures. CREDITS Seismic Soundoff explores the depth and usefulness of geophysics for the scientific community and the public. If you want to be the first to know about the next episode, please follow or subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Zach Bridges created original music for this show. Andrew Geary hosted, edited, and produced this episode at TreasureMint. The SEG podcast team is Jennifer Cobb, Kathy Gamble, and Ally McGinnis.

6 Huhti 202321min

Roman Pevzner discusses his Honorary Lecture, "Surface and borehole seismic monitoring of CO2 geological storage." Geological carbon capture and storage (CCS) or sequestration is a critical component of CO2 emission reduction, which aims to alleviate global climate change. Geological carbon storage always requires a subsurface monitoring program, and seismic methods play an important role. In this conversation with host Andrew Geary, Roman explains why a subsurface monitoring program is necessary for geological carbon storage and the range of seismic methods used to monitor CO2 storage. He discusses how the Australian CCS projects featured in the lecture highlight the evolution of the seismic monitoring technology used for sequestration. He also explores the advantages and disadvantages of permanently mounted seismic sources and characterizes passive data analysis. This conversation explores the goal of this lecture, the perfect audience for this talk, and the one question Roman hopes attendees take with them. Carbon capture and storage will play a major role in the future of geophysics, and this conversation helps demonstrate possible paths. Listen to the full archive at https://seg.org/podcast. RELATED LINKS * Register for Roman's lecture (28 March 2023 & 11 May 2023) (https://seg.org/Education/Lectures/Honorary-Lectures/HL-Roman-Pevzner) * Discover SEG on Demand (https://seg.org/Education/SEG-on-Demand) BIOGRAPHY Roman Pevzner joined Curtin University (Perth, Western Australia) in 2008 as an associate professor in the Discipline of Exploration Geophysics, progressing to professor in 2018. Previously he headed the software development department at DECO Geophysical service company from 2002–2008. At the same time, Roman has also conducted research and teaching at the Geological Faculty of Lomonosov Moscow State University, Seismometry and Geo-acoustics Department. Roman Pevzner received his Ph.D. in Geophysics (2004), Master of Science in Geophysics (2001), and Bachelor of Science in Geology (1999) from Lomonosov Moscow State University. His main areas of interest include subsurface monitoring using active and passive seismic methods, borehole seismic, distributed fiber optic sensing for geophysical applications, and CO2 geosequestration. Roman has co-authored 75 journal papers and more than 170 refereed conference publications. CREDITS Seismic Soundoff explores the depth and usefulness of geophysics for the scientific community and the public. If you want to be the first to know about the next episode, please follow or subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Two of our favorites are Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you have episode ideas, feedback for the show, or want to sponsor a future episode, find the "Contact Seismic Soundoff" box at https://seg.org/podcast. Zach Bridges created original music for this show. This episode was hosted, edited, and produced by Andrew Geary at TreasureMint. The SEG podcast team is Jennifer Cobb, Kathy Gamble, and Ally McGinnis.

16 Maalis 202314min